Will Anthony Rendon remain the Los Angeles Angels’ third baseman when the 2025 MLB season starts?
Rendon’s 2024 season was once again disappointing, marked by injuries and inconsistent performance—issues that have plagued him since joining the Angels in late 2019. Once an RBI leader in the National League, an MLB All-Star, and a World Series champion, Rendon has yet to live up to the expectations of his seven-year, $245 million contract.
Since his arrival, Rendon has failed to play 60 games in a single season. Even when healthy, he has missed time due to several suspensions. When he has played, he hasn’t come close to his peak form from 2019. While Rendon hit over .300 from 2017-2019, he hasn’t managed to hit over .250 in any of the past four seasons. He has yet to hit 10 home runs or even reach 40 RBIs in any season with the Angels.
Rendon’s performance reached a new low in 2024, batting just .218 with 14 RBIs and no home runs.
Following the end of the 2024 season, the Angels have made it clear that Rendon must prove himself to maintain his spot on the team and at third base.
“When Anthony has played, he hasn’t been productive,” Angels GM Perry Minasian said in September, as reported by Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register. “So he’s gonna have to come in and earn it. There’s no handouts. We’re starting to create some depth, where we have some versatile players that can do different things, so the best players are gonna play, no doubt about it.”
The Angels are reportedly aiming to add a third baseman this offseason, having already made moves to improve by acquiring Jorge Soler from the Atlanta Braves. Alternatively, the team could shift Luis Rengifo to third base if 2024 first-round pick Christian Moore fulfills expectations at second base, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com.
The Angels moved Rendon out of the leadoff spot after his return from injury in 2024, and now his starting role is in question. With two years remaining on his contract, his future with the team is uncertain.
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